Dioctyl sulfosuccinate sodium, also called docusate sodium, is an anionic surfactant and wetting agent. It is used as an industrial wetting agent. Other applications include dispersing coatings and inks, emulsifying in polymerisation and stabilising hydrophilic colloids. It also serves as a processing aid in the sugar industry. In pharmaceutical preparations, docusate sodium is used as a stool softener. It occurs as a wax-like solid or in formulated solutions. Cosmetic use is subject to the applicable cosmetic-ingredient conditions. Pharmaceutical use requires the applicable pharmacopoeia grade. Use in sugar processing is subject to applicable food-processing requirements.